Review of Blade Runner (1982) by Phillip D — 28 May 2014

After taking the time to really delve into Blade Runner, it is easy to see why the movie was misunderstood. Essentially, the movie has very little of what has been making up standard cinematic fair for the last 30 years.

The plot is interesting but makes no effort to take advantage of obvious action, climax and romance points. Harrison's role is excellent but his performance is not unique or particularly groundbreaking in and of itself.

What makes Blade Runner really special is that the movie, unlike the vast majority of cinema, seems to have been created purely for the purpose of creating art. There is no effort to pull in the viewer and exhort him or her for theater dollars, positive reviews or viewing time.

The movie's attitude seems to simply not care if the viewer enjoys his or her experience. This is a little boring on the first come around but really refreshing in an era of films that literally spend every moment pandering to audiences.

Blade Runner is art, using music, background and the atmosphere of various sets to paint a picture, and a stunning one at that. After watching, it is easy to spot how this film has literally turned the science fiction film industry on its head.

Movies like Tron, Inception, The Matrix and even fantasy films like Lord Of The Rings draw heavily on the visually powerful world created here. Blade Runner is art, using powerful close ups, stunning backgrounds, fully immersed environments and deep symbolism in its harsh criticism of our societal direction.

And in the end, Blade Runner challenges the moviegoer by existing and not caring if we chose to enjoy that existence.